Dreaming of the Côte d’Azur

I like finding nursery design inspiration in unexpected places—a favorite book, a time period or a place you want to visit. Currently, I have been dreaming of the Côte d’Azur also known as the French Riviera. I am in love with the Mediterranean islands and their beauty. The bright colors of the beaches and architecture of southern France are eternally inspiring. This area is a great source of design inspiration—the sky, the sea, the architecture, sailing, swimsuits, sea horses. The vibe is sunny and cheerful, yet elegant. Sea foam greens, bright pinks and oranges would be perfect to bring into a nursery or child’s room. Bring back summer days with turquoise, hot pink, lemon and orange. Invite the playful atmosphere of the the Côte d’Azur into your home.

Bright umbrellas line the coast and beautiful colors decorate the buildings in the French Riviera. Design inspiration is everywhere.

Wall art can set the mood in the nursery. I love these simple, yet stunning prints: Beach Umbrella from alicebgardens on Etsy and Coral Print from vintagebytheshore on Etsy.

Happy striped wallpaper from Candice Olsen, available at The Frog and the Princess, feels like the inside of a beachside cabana.


A simple mobile, from Flensted Mobiles, is perfect for the little sailor, inspired by the multicolored sailboats in the marinas.


I love maps in the nursery, and this map pillow, from saltlabs on Etsy, would be perfect with colorful bedding to complete the look. The Soleil Sky Boudoir pillow is from my Little House collection.

DEAL ALERT! For more ideas, head over to annettetatum.com, and for Project Nursery readers, I’m extending a 15% discount on my favorite products inspired by the bold colors of the Côte d’Azur for a limited time. Use the code AZURE7 at checkout.

Annette Tatum

Annette Tatum

Santa Monica, CA based Annette is the creator of the interior decor lines, House, Little House and Annette Tatum Collections. She is also the author of The Well-Dressed Home, which features her universal style guide for translating your sense of fashion into home design.

Comments

  1. Liz

    July 14, 2011

    Great ideas. I lived in Italy for a year and we spent a lot of time in Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast, similar with the bright colors and beach-side views.

    Where are those sailboats from? They would look cute not as a mobile, but hanging individually in a beach house or nautical room.

    Thanks!
    Liz-CoolProducts

  2. Amaya

    July 15, 2011

    The colors are so cool, refreshing and relaxing. I agree, the Mediterranean islands are breathtakingly beautiful, even in the photos. And indeed, drawing inspiration from them is a fabulous idea!

  3. Janey Isaac

    July 18, 2011

    When one says Mediterranean, I automatically envision Santorini, Greece. It’s my dream destination. Mediterranean colors are clean and fresh, and calm and even surreal.

  4. Romina

    July 18, 2011

    When one says Mediterranean, I automatically envision Santorini, Greece. It’s my dream destination. Mediterranean colors are clean and fresh, and calm and even surreal.

  5. Mariz

    August 1, 2011

    The sailboat mobile is so nice! I am still in the process of deciding between a nautical theme and a jellybean theme for my upcoming baby boy’s nursery. If we eventually decide to go nautical, I’d try making a sailboat mobile like this.

  6. Telefony zoznam

    December 2, 2011

    certainly like your web-site but you have to test the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to inform the truth on the other hand I’ll definitely come again again.

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like

Plaid and Paisley Nursery Decor

Plaid and paisley sound like the perfect couple—just the right pedigree with the ability to re-invent. When used separately, each pattern can make a bold statement in a room or add interest as an accent piece. […]

Mint Nursery with Vintage Changing Table

Sometimes there is an element in a room that really tells a story. Vintage decor in a nursery or child’s room adds that little something that lets others know this room is special. […]

Turquoise Moroccan Pouf

One of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can have in your home is an ottoman. Nothing comes in more shapes and sizes or more colors and patterns. […]

Nursery with Star Wallpaper

There is something to be said for style that’s inspired by Americana—it’s the kind of design that evokes memories of summer, parades and everything fun. Nothing says Americana like stars and stripes […]

Children's Room with Wall Sconce

Lighting is one of those special accents that is often overlooked. Setting the right mood for sleeping can make bed time easier […]

Modern Neutral Nursery with Moroccan Shag Rug

Sometimes it just takes one added element to complete a room, spin it around or simply just give it a refresh. Area rugs can add a grown-up touch and instantly sophisticate and elevate a space. […]